SKELETON: With only three more Skeleton World Cups until the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics, Jackie Narracott is ready to fire in Altenberg, Germany this weekend.
Currently ranked 18th in the world, Narracott spent her Christmas break training and having some much needed rest in London with her partner Dom Parsons, Sochi 2014 Skeleton Olympian.
“I feel good,” Narracott said. “Both in terms of where I’m at after the break and about this week specifically.”
The 26-year-old said that the German course at Altenberg is a tough track that she is still learning how to tame.
“I’ve made good progress already this week which I plan on continuing.
“It’s actually showing me how much progress I’ve made this season as a whole which is great.”
The Queenslander said this week’s World Cup is more about execution and progress than outcomes.
“Obviously I’m going to try and finish as high as I can but that’s not the main focus.”
In her last World Cup competition in Innsbruck, Narracott finished 21st and will look ahead to the remaining two World Cups in St Moritz, Switzerland and Königssee, Germany, as invaluable race experience for the Games next month.
“The next three tracks are all very different to each other and to Korea. However, there are parts of each that will be useful for Korea,” Narracott said.
“Altenberg is a drivers track but for me it’s a chance to keep working on staying calm under stress, something that I know will be needed.”
For the St Moritz competition Narracott will focus instead on being composed, subtle and precise, as the Swiss track in the only natural track left in the world.
“That’s definitely something that Korea demands so working on that will be great.
“Königssee is short, fun and a good chance to get back to pure enjoyment sliding. It’s as close to the Korean track as we’ll get before heading into the village.
“Altenberg and Königssee conditions are entirely weather dependant, like Korea. Hopefully it’s cold and clear but who knows.”
Narracott will be one of 24 women taking to the track at Altenbery as competition kicks off on Friday January 5th at 10:04am local time (8pm AEDT).
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Ashleigh Knight
olympics.com.au
